Primary school head teachers who are currently meeting in Mombasa in a week-long conference have continued with their quest to be confirmed as Junior School (JS) principals.
Through their umbrella body the Kenya Primary School Headteachers Association (KEPSHA), the heads have told the government that the management of JS, popularly known to many as Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), brought additional responsibilities.
National Chairman Johnson Nzioka told the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and their employer Teachers Service Commission (TSC) that the teachers have proved they’re equal to the task, adding that their promotion should open the ladder of them to reach the ranks of Chief Principal at D5 instead of D1 (Senior Headteacher), which is their current highest grade.
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“Head teachers have stagnated at job Group D1 because there is no policy for progressive movement. How will these teachers be appreciated? Will there be an opening where they can progress from D1 to D2? We expect the Head of the Public Service and the TSC to give us an assurance about this issue to address the problem of stagnation with finality,” said Nzioka.
He further urged the government to fully implement the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER), especially on revising upwards the capitation of send per pupil in primary schools, adding that the current capitation grant is not sustainable.
However, Koskei, alongside TSC Chairman Dr Jamleck Muturi and Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr Belio Kipsang’, acknowledged the work of the teachers, with Koskei advising them that they should now be familiar with Public Finance Management Act and Public Procurement Disposal Act in a bid to manage properly the resources under their control.
The conference was officially opened yesterday, with KEPSHA using the opportunity to launch its new logo in its rebranding move.
Over 23,000 primary school heads are currently attending the conference to deliberate on critical matters in the education sector. Today, they are expected to be addressed by TSC.
By Roy Hezron
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